Elephant Strikes Fear as It Damages Restaurant Kitchen in Khao Yai

Picture from responders.

A wild elephant caused chaos at a restaurant in Khao Yai, where it smashed into the kitchen of a local eatery before being safely guided back into the forest by officials. The incident occurred during the early hours of February 13, in the Moo Si sub-district, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, near the popular Thanarat Road.

According to reports from local authorities, the elephant, which appeared to be a smaller male, wandered into the kitchen of the “Ayutthaya” restaurant, located near the busy community market. The animal was drawn to the food in the kitchen, consuming rice, seasonings, dried food, and even pork.

Donai Sukuntachat, a local volunteer, rushed to the scene after being alerted. He quickly recognised the elephant as it had been frequenting the area, resting behind the restaurant earlier in the day. He worked with other volunteers to safely guide the elephant out of the kitchen by using lights, loud noises, and tapping sticks to encourage the animal to retreat.

Thankfully, the elephant gradually backed off, crossing the road to the opposite side, away from the restaurant. A local café owner also helped by using a flashlight to assist the efforts. The situation was resolved without injury, with both the volunteers and the elephant safely retreating to the forest, preventing any further property damage.

This incident highlights the ongoing interaction between wildlife and human settlements in areas close to national parks, where elephants are often found wandering into towns and villages in search of food.

-- 2025-02-14